TropiCabana Chic: A Ze Haus Interpretation of Coastal Design

An Evolving Design Aesthetic

As I continue studying design abroad and right here in my own backyard of Miami, Florida, my design aesthetic is slowly evolving. I find myself incorporating more geometric shapes inspired by Brutalist and Modernist architecture. However, my roots remain grounded in biophilic and organic forms inspired by the warm climate of the tropics.

Recently, I read a short article by Pattern Curator, a trend-forecasting and pattern/design resource used by surface pattern, textile, fashion, and interior designers for inspiration, color direction, and emerging print and pattern trends.

The post, titled Coastal Hideaway, imagines a quieter interpretation of coastal living featuring shells, coastal botanicals, cabana stripes, watercolor florals, weathered textures, and soft geometrics. The article explores how the colors of the coast can create a sense of calm that feels less like a vacation and more like an escape—and I couldn’t agree more.

From Coastal Hideaway to TropiCabana Chic

However, Pattern Curator’s mood board felt more Mediterranean than native to Miami, so I decided to create my own interpretation of the coastal hideaway, naming my rendition TropiCabana Chic.

Having been named a Color Expert by Morpholio Board and recently helping Jewel Toned Interiors develop its 2026 Color Forecast Guide, I tend to gravitate toward richer, more saturated colors. However, I also like incorporating softer and more neutral color stories to accommodate different preferences.

For some time, I’ve been imagining portmanteaus to develop new design concepts for my brand, and I landed on one that I really like: TropiCabana. It describes my design style while complementing my current design philosophy, TropicArt Nuvo.

For the mood board I designed, I used project images from spaces, murals, and wallpaper I’ve designed to reflect a bit of Miami and Ze Haus. Believe it or not, my color palette is a bit softer than Pattern Curator’s mood board, but the complementary colors of orange and blue remain the same.

Creating Your Own Mood Board

Mood boards are great tools for both novice and experienced designers to imagine a theme or concept to design around. With the plethora of images available online, it’s easy to gather your favorites on a blank canvas and begin building inspiration.

I’d also encourage you to look through your own camera roll and photo archives. You may already have images that satisfy what you need. Personal photographs can make a mood board feel more connected to your own experiences, surroundings, and point of view.

My design prints also tend to be quite bold and busy, depending on one’s taste level. But it’s important to note that many designers like myself, as well as manufacturers, offer custom colors to meet specific design needs. A pattern you love doesn’t necessarily have to remain in its original colorway.

Bringing TropiCabana Chic Home

Reading Pattern Curator’s Coastal Hideaway validated for me that Ze Haus’ TropicArt Nuvo design philosophy is trending and can work across different spaces and color palettes. TropiCabana Chic simply interprets that conversation through my own lens—one rooted in Miami, tropical environments, pattern, color, and the Ze Haus aesthetic.

Ready to create your own TropiCabana Chic space?

Explore Ze Haus wallpaper and interior design services, request samples, or contact the studio to begin creating a color and pattern story tailored to your space.

Request to Book